Easy opening and lifting can-end with dead-end inside score line



May 17, 1966 J. s. BOZEK 3, EASY OPENING AND LIFTING CAN-END WITH DEAD-END INSIDE SCORE LINE Filed Jan. 10, 1964 PI 6. 8 m INVENTOR JOHN S. BOZEK ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,2515% Patented May 17, 1966 3,251,503 EASY OPENING AND LIFTING CAN-END WITH DEAD-END INSIDE SCORE LINE John S. Bozek, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Continental Can gonlipany, Inc., New York, N .Y.,' a corporation of New Filed Jan. 10, 1964, Ser. No. 336,958

16 Claims. (Cl. 220-54) This invention relate-s in general to new and useful improvements in containers of the easy opening type, and more particularly to a novel can end of the type wherein a major portion of the end panel thereof is removed in the opening of an associated can.

Ends for containers in general and cans in particular have been developed wherein a major portion of the end panel of each end is removable in the opening of the container. Each of these ends is provided with an outer score line which extends entirely about the periphery of the removable portion and an inner score line which extend-s adjacent to and spaced from the outer score line for a large portion of the length thereof. The score lines cooperate to define a tear strip which in the removal of the removable portionof the end panel is torn from the end panel. This tear strip does not extend entirely about the removable portion, but terminates short of the terminal end of the outer score line whereby after a major separation of the removable portion from the remainder of the end panel by means of the tear strip, the entire removable portion is torn as a unit from the remainder of the end twist as the end panel is ruptured along the final part.

of the outer score line with the result that the removable portion dips into the product packaged within the container. The second of these undesirable features is that frequently, although the inner score line terminates short of the terminal end of the outer score line, when the removable portion is being torn from the remainder of the end panel, a continued pull on the tear strip will result in the tearing of the end panel as a continuation of the inner score line with the tear extending towards the outer score line and the tear strip being removed from the end panel permaturely and separate from the remainder of the removable portion.

In view of the foregoing, it is the primary object of this invention to provide a novel can end wherein the removable portion thereof is so reinforced whereby as the removable portion is in its final stage of being torn from the remainder of the end panel, it will be lifted upwardly as opposed to being pivotally torn from the remainder of the end panel so that instead of dipping into the product packaged within the associated container, the removable portion of the end panel will be lifted clear of the product.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel can of the type wherein a major portion of the end panel thereof is removable and wherein a tear strip is provided for facilitating the removal of such removable portion, the tear strip being defined by inner and outer score lines and the inner score line terminating substantially at the terminal end of the tear strip, and the end panel being so formed whereby means are provided for the undesired continued tearing of the end panel in alignment with the inner score line beyond the terminal end of the inner score line, thereby preventing the accidental tearing of the tear strip from the remainder of the removable portion of the end panel and, thus assuring a proper removal of the desired portion of the end panel.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel container end of the type which includes an end panel and peripheral attaching means for securement to a container body, the end panel being improved with means for facilitating the opening thereof without the use of any tools and a major portion of the end panel being removable to facilitate the dispensing of the contents of the container, the end panel having formed therein an outer score line and an inner score line, the outer score line extending entirely about a removable portion of the end panel and the inner score line cooperating-with the outer score'line to define a tear strip which is utilized in the primary portion of theremoval of the'removable portion of the end panel, a central part of the end panel being recessed to define an upstanding wall, and the wall serving to reinforce the end panel against flexure so as to accomplish the function of preventing premature rupture of the end panel along the score lines, to prevent the accidental tearing of the end panel beyond the terminal end.

7 end of the type wherein a major portion of the end panel thereof is removable means for preventing the accidental tearing of the end panel beyond an inner score line thereof whereby during the opening of a container of which the can end is a part a tear strip portion of the end panel is not accidentally torn from the end panel separately of the remainder of the removable portion thereof.

A further object of this invention is to provide a simple solution to the problem of the undesirable tearing of an end panel of a can end during the opening thereof at the terminal end of an inner score line which in part defines a tear strip, the solution being in the form of a finger-like peninsula defined by an upstanding wall with the terminal end of the inner score line terminating in such peninsula and being surrounded by the upstanding wall and the upstanding wall serving to prevent the undesired additional tearing of the end panel.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide'in a can end panel a central recessed panel which is defined by a continuous upstanding wall, and the upstanding wall serving to reinforce the end panel against undue fiexure to prevent the premature rupture of the end panel along inner and outer score lines thereof, and the recessed central panel being so configurated wherein it includes a generally S-shaped wall portion at the terminal end of a tear strip portion defined by the score lines, with a part of the S-shaped wall portion defining a finger-like peninsula in which the terminal end of the inner score line is disposed so as to prevent the undesired continued tearing of the end panel beyond the terminal end of the inner score line, the S-shaped wall portion serving additionally to reinforce the connection between the tear strip and the remainder of the end panel that is to be removed in the opening of the can end and thereby assuring a proper connection between the tear strip and the remainder of the removable portion so that the intended opening of the end is assured.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary top perspective view of .a can incorporating the can end which is the subject of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged top view of the can of FIG- UR'E 1 and shows more specifically the details of the can end.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line 33 of FIGURE 2 and shows further the details of the can end.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG- I URE 2 and shows more specifically the configuration of the end panel at the terminal end of the tear strip.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 2 and shows the manner in which the end panel is reinforced at the terminal end of the inner score line.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIGURE 2 and shows the specific details of the score line at the starting end of the tear strip.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIGURE 2 and shows the cross-section of the inner score line.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIGURE 2 and shows the cross-section of the outer score line.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, reference is first made to FIGURE 1 wherein there is illustrated a can which is generally referred to by the numeral 10. The can 10 includes a conventional can body 11 to which there is secured by means of a double seam 12 a can end incorporating the spirit of this invention, the can end being generally referred to by the numeral 13.

Referring now to FIGURE 3 in particular, it will be seen that the can end 13 in addition to that portion thereof which forms part of the conventional double seam 12, includes a peripheral chuck wall 14 to which there is integrally connected an end panel 15. In accordance with this invention, a major portion of the end panel 15 is to be removed in the opening of the can 10 and to this end the end panel 15 is provided with an outer score line 16. The outer score line 16 is disposed closely adjacent to the chuck wall 14 and extends about the periphery of a removable portion of the end panel v15. In addition to extending entirely about the removable portion of the end panel 15, the outer score line 16 includes a starting portion 17 which extends inwardly of the remainder of the outer score line 16. The outer score line 16 also includes a terminal portion 1% which terminates adjacent the intersection of the starting portion .17 with the reinainder of the score line 16.

The end panel 15 is also provided with an inner score line 2%. The inner score line 20 is concentric with the outer score line 16 for the major portion of the length of the inner score line 20. The inner score line portion 20 also includes a starting portion 21 and a terminal portion 22.

It may be considered that the starting portions 17 and 21 are directly united. However, for descriptive purposes, it is to be noted that the end panel 15 is provided with an arcuate score line 23 which may be considered a starting score line and which at its opposite ends runs 4 into and becomes parts of the score line starting portions 17 and 21.

It is to be noted that the score lines 16 and 2t define a generally arcuate tear strip 2 The tear strip includes a starting portion 25 which is defined by the score line starting portions 17, 21 and 23. The tear strip 24 also includes a terminal portion 26 which merges into and is integrally connected to the remainder of the removable portion of the end panel 15.

The starting end 25 of the tear strip '24 is provided with a pull tab 27 to facilitate the tearing of the tear strip 24 from the end panel 15. The pull tab 27 may be of any configuration and may be secured to the starting end 25 in any desired manner. However, the pull tab 27 is illustrated as being secured to the starting end 25 of the tear strip 24 by means of a rivet 28 which is integrally formed with the starting portion 25.

Can ends having the above set-forth structural details are known. However, such ends have three major deficiencies. In the first place, when the end panel is left planar and is weakened by the forming of the score lines 16 and 23, associated by the crowding of the metal of the end panel in the forming of the score lines 16 and 20, there is a tendency for the end panel 15 to flex during shipment and handling and for the end panel 15 to prematurely rupture along one of the score lines. Secondly, when the can 10 is to be opened, and removal of the removable portion of the end panel is initiated by the tearing out of the tear strip 24, when the tearing of the end panel 15 reaches the terminal end 22 of the score line 20, there is a tendency for the tearing action to continue beyond the terminal end of the score line 243 with the line of tear being directed towards the outer score line 16 and with the result that the tear strip 24 is torn entirely away from the remainder of the end panel 15 without the complete rupture of the end panel along the outer score line 16 and the removal of all of the removable portion thereof. Once this occurs, it is extremely difiicult to remove the remainder of the removable portion in that the entire remaining edge is a relatively sharp edge and cannot be readily gripped with ones fingers. The third disadvantage of such a can end construction is that alter tearing out of the tear strip 24 has been completed, further upward pull on the tear strip 24 will result in the continued tearing of the end panel 15 along the outer score line 16 and as the tearing takes place along the terminal portion 18 of the score line 16, the removable portion of the end panel will twist and dip down into the product contained within the can it). Then as the removable portion is finally torn loose from the remainder of the end panel 15, due to the resiliency of the stretched-out tear strip 24, the central panel portion of the removable portion will suddenly snap towards the person opening the can and the contents of the can adhering to this central panel portion Will be splashed onto the person opening the can.

It has been found that the three above-mentioned disadvantages of existing types of can ends can be overcome by the expediency of providing the end panel 15 with a recessed central portion 29. This recessed central portion 29 is of an irregular contour, as will be described hereinafter, and is defined by a generally upright wall 3h. The wall 36 includes a C-shaped major portion 31 which is disposed alongside a major portion of the inner score line 21}. The wall portion 31 terminates adjacent the starting portion 21 of the inner score line 20 in a reversely curved portion 32 which is, in turn, connected to a generally C-shaped portion 33 which extends around the starting end 25 of the tear strip 2 but is widely spaced therefrom so as to project substantially to the center of the end panel 15. The C-shaped wall portion 33 terminates in a reversely curved portion 34 adjacent the terminal end portion 18 of the outer score line 16. The reversely turned portion 34 in turn terminates in an arcuate portion 35 which extends alongside the outer arcuate wall portion 35 is connected to the generally C- shaped wall portion 31 by a generally S-shaped wall portion 36.

It will be readily apparent that the upstanding wall 30 greatly rigidifies the end panel 15 against fiexure and, therefore, greatly reduces the possibility of premature rupture of the end panel 15 along one of the score lines 16 and 20. Furthermore, since the upstanding wall 30 is disposed alongside major portions of the score lines 16 and 20 wherein rupture is most liable to occur, it will be seen that there is not only overall stiffening of the end panel 15, but also localized reinforcement of the end panel 15 at the point of greatest weakness.

A part of the S-shaped wall portion 36 defines a fingerlike peninsula 37 in which the inner score line 20 terminates. It will be readily apparent from FIGURES 2 and 5 that in the opening of the can 'when the tear strip 24 is torn from the end panel and the terminal end of the i inner score line is reached, should there be any tendency whatsoever for the end panel 15 to continue tearing in alignment with the score line 20, the tear will be inter rupted by the upstanding wall and further tearing will be prevented. Thus, by terminating the inner score line 20 in the finger-like peninsula 37, it will be seen that it is impossible for the tear strip 24 to be accidentally torn away from the remainder of the removable portion of the end panel 15.

At this time it is pointed out that the score lines 16 and 20 are of different depths. In the first place, it is pointed out that the starting portion 23 is of a maximum depth, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 6. The purpose of this is to permit the can 10 to be opened while applying a minimum force on the pull tab 27. Once the end panel 15 has been initially ruptured along the starting score line 23, it may be more readily torn along the score lines 16 and 20. The score line 16 is shallower than the starting score line 23, as is shown in FIGURE 8. On the other hand, the score line 16 is deeper than the score line 20, as is shown in FIGURE ,7. It will be readily apparent that after the starting of the tearing of the tear strip 24 from the end panel 15, a greater tearing must takeplace along the score line 16 than along the score line 20 in that for the same angle of tearing the arc along the score line 16 is greater than the arc along the score line 2%. Therefore, it is desirable that the end panel 15 be more readily torn along the score line 16 than along the score line 29 so that the tearing of the tear strip 24 from the end panel 15 will remain along a radial line. Since there is greater resistance to the tearing of the end panel 15 along the score line 20 than along the score line 16, it 'will be readily apparent that when the terminal end of the score line 20 is reached, there is a greater tendency for the tearing to continue only along the score line 16 than through the unscored metal of the end panel 15 in alignment with the terminal end of the score line 20. This, coupled with the specific wall configuration, assures the proper tearing of the end panel 15 along the score lines 16 and 20.

It is to be noted that the S-shaped wall portion 36 is disposed at the terminal end 26 of the tear strip 24. Thus, the S-shaped wall portion 36 greatly rigidifies the connection between the tear strip 24 and the remainder of the removable portion of the end panel 15. Thus, there is no tendency for the tear strip 24 to become detached from the remainder of the removable portion. In addition, the connection between the tear strip 24 and the remainder of the removable portion is rigidified. Furthermore, since the arcuate wall portion extends as a continuation of the pull tab 24, it will be readily apparent that the terminal part of the tear strip 24 and the remainder of the removable portion function as a relatively rigid unit so that in the final tearing out of the removable portion along the terminal portion 18 of the score line 16, the removable portion will move directly upwardly from its normal plane and will remain clear of the product packaged within the can 10 as opposed to the normal pivoting of a removable portion and the dipping thereof into the product.

A further advantage of the recessed central panel 29 is that the end panel 15 is recessed'below the outer end of the pull tab 27 so that ones finger may be engaged beneath the pull tab 27 to effect the necessary lifting thereof required for the rupturing of the end panel 15 along the starting score line 23.

Although only a very specific illustration and description of the invention has been set forth here, it is to be understood that minor variations may be made in the disclosed can end within the spirit and scope of this invention, as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A container end of the easy opening type comprising an end panel and peripheral securing means, an outer weakening line in said end panel and extending about and defining a removable portion of said end panel, an inner weakening line in said end panel and cooperating with said outer weakening line to define a tear strip, said tear strip having a starting end and a terminal end, said tear strip terminal end being integrally connected to said removable portion with said tear strip being a permanent part of said removable portion, said inner weakening line having a terminal end at said tear strip terminal end, and generally U-shapedoutline means having received therein said inner weakening line terminal end for preventing the accidental tearing of said end panel materially beyond said inner tear strip terminal end and thereby eliminating all possibilities of accidental tearing of said tearstrip from the remainder of said removable portion.

2. A container end of the easy opening type comprising an end panel and peripheral securing means, an'outer weakening line in said end panel and extending about and defining a removable portion of said end panel, an inner weakening line in said end panel and cooperating with said outer weakening line to define a tear strip, said tear strip having a starting end and a terminal end, said tear strip terminal end being integrally connected to said removable portion with said tear strip being a permanent part of said removable portion, said inner weakening line having a terminal end at said tear strip terminal end, and said end panel being contoured to define a generally U- shaped upstanding wall in alignment with said inner weakening line at the terminal end thereof and having positioned therein said inner weakening line terminal end for preventing the accidental tearing of said end panel materially beyond said inner tear strip terminal end and thereby eliminating all possibilities of accidental tearing of said tear strip from the remainder of said removable portion.

3. A container end of the easy opening type comprising an end panel and peripheral securing means, an outer weakening line in said end panel and extending about and defining a removable portion of said end panel, an inner weakening line in said end panel and cooperating with said outer weakening line to define a tear strip, said tear strip having a starting end and a terminal end, said tear strip terminal end being integrally connected to said removable portion with said tear strip being a permanent part of said removable portion, said inner weakening line having a terminal end at said tear strip terminal end, and

said end panel being contoured to define an upstanding wall having portions extending on opposite sides of said inner weakening line and having a central portion in alignment with said inner weakening line at the terminal end thereof for preventing the accidental tearing of said end panel materially beyond said inner tear strip terminal end and thereby eliminating all possibilities of accidental tearing of aid tear strip from the remainder of said removable portion.

4. A container end of the easy opening type comprising an end panel and peripheral securing means, an outer weakening line in said end panel and extending about and defining a removable portion of said end panel, an inner weakening line in said end panel and cooperating with said outer weakening line to define a tear strip, said tear strip having a starting end and a terminal end, said tear strip terminal end being integrally connected to said removable portion with said tear strip being a permanent .part of said removal portion, said inner weakening line having a terminal end at said tear strip terminal end, said end panel being contoured to define a finger-like peninsula defined by an upstanding wall, and said inner weakening line terminal end being disposed in said peninsula thereby preventing the accidental tearing of said end panel materially beyond said inner tear strip terminal end and eliminating all possibilities of accidental tearing of said tear strip from the remainder of said removable portion.

5. The container end of claim 4 wherein said wall continues from the peninsula adjacent to and spaced inwardly from said outer weakening line and reinforces the connection between said tear strip and the remainder of said end panel removable portion whereby as said end panel is being torn along a terminal portion of said outer weakening line said end panel removable portion will remain substantially in the original plane thereof and dipping of said end panel removable portion below said original plane is prevented.

6. The container end of claim 2 wherein said wall is a continuous wall defining a central panel offset from the general plane of said end panel and reinforcing said end panel against undue fiexure.

7. The container end of claim 2 wherein said wall is a continuous wall defining a recessed central panel reinforcing said end panel against undue flexure, said central panel having an irregular border of which a major portion extends alongside portions of said inner and outer weakening lines with said wall reinforcing portions of said end panel containing said inner and outer weakening line portions.

8. The container end of claim 2 wherein said wall is a continuous wall defining a recessed central panel reinforcing said end panel against undue flexure.

9. The container end of claim 2 wherein said wall is a continuous wall defining a recessed central panel reinforcing said end panel against undue flexure, and a pull tab secured to said tear strip starting end and overlying said recessed central panel in spaced relation thereto whereby lifting of said pull tab is facilitated.

10. The container end of claim 2 wherein said wall is a continuous wall defining a recessed central panel reinforcing said end panel against undue fiexure, the portions of said weakening lines defining said tear strip starting end being of minimum strength, and said wall extending closely adjacent to said weakening line portions entirely around said starting end to prevent thepremature separation of said tear strip starting end from the remainder of said end panel.

11. A can end of the easy opening type comprising an end panel and an attaching flange portion extending around the periphery of said end panel, an outer score line in said end panel defining a removable portion of said end panel with said removable portion constituting a major part of said end panel and said outer score line extending about the periphery of said removable portion, said outer score line including a starting portion formed in said removable portion and a terminal portion terminating adjacent said starting portion, an inner score line formed in said removable portion and extending generally alongside and spaced from a major portion of said outer score line with said score lines defining therebetween a tear strip having a starting portion and a terminal portion, said tear strip and said inner score line having adjacent terminal ends disposed short of said outer score line terminal portion'and said tear strip terminal end being integrally connected to the remainder of said removable portion, said removable portion having a recessed central panel defined by an upstanding wall extending alongside said inner score line throughout the length thereof and alongside said outer score lines starting and terminal portions to prevent the accidental rupture of said end panel along said score lines, and said upstanding wall includes a reversely curved portion defining a finger-like peninsula at said tear strip terminal end with said inner score line terminating within said peninsula whereby said wall will serve to prevent the underside tear of said end panel along the general path of said inner score line beyong the terminal end thereof and the accidental separation of said tear strip from the remainder of said removable portion.

12. The can end of claim 11 wherein said upstanding wall is S-shaped at the terminal end of said tear strip and reinforces the connection between said tear strip and the remainder of said removable portion.

13. The can end of claim 11 wherein said outer score line is deeper than said inner score line to assure the tearing of said end panel along said outer score line.

14. The can end of claim 11 wherein said upstanding wall is S-shaped at the terminal end of said tear strip and reinforces the connection between said tear strip and the remainder of said removable portion, and said wall continues generally as continuation of said tear strip to reinforce said removable portion along said outer score line terminal portion to prevent the undesired dipping of said removable portion below the normal plane thereof during the final stages of removal of said removable portion.

15. A can end of the easy opening type comprising an end panel and an attaching flange portion extending around the periphery of said end panel, an outer score line in said end panel defining a removable portion of said end panel with said removable portion constituting a major part of said end panel and and said outer score line extending about the periphery of said removable portion, said outer score line including a starting portion formed in said removable portion and a terminal portion terminating adjacent said starting portion, an inner score line formed in said removable portion and cooperating therewith to define a tear strip, said inner score line also including a starting portion formed in said removable portion with the starting portions of said inner and outer score lines being interconnected to define a starting end of said tear strip, and said score lines extending radially outwardly from said tear strip starting endin diverging relation with said tear strip progressively increasing in width from said starting end, and said tear strip being relatively wide as compared to the size of said end panel with said inner score line being of a minimum length, said inner score line having a terminal end disposed within said removable portion remote from said outer score line whereby removal of said removable portion as a unit is assured.

16. A can end of the easy opening type comprising an end panel and an attaching flange portion extending around the periphery of said end panel, an outer score line in said end panel defining a removable portion of said end panel with said removable portion constituting a major part of said end panel and and said outer score line extending about the periphery :of said removable portion, said outer score line including a starting port on formed in said removable portion and a terminal portion terminating adjacent said starting portion, an inner score line formed in said removable portion and cooperating therewith to define a tear strip, said inner score line also including a starting portion formed in said removable portion with the starting portions of said inner and outer score lines being interconnected to define a starting end of said tear strip, and said score lines extending radially outwardly from said tear strip starting end. in diverging relation with said tear strip progressively increasing in 9 10 Width from said starting end, and said tear strip being rela- References Cited by the Examiner t1v ely w1de as comnared to the size 0t said end panel with UNITED STATES PATENTS said inner score lme being of a mmlmum length, said inner score line having a terminal end disposed Within 2,978,140 4/1961 Walsh 22O-54 said removable portion remote from said outer score 5 line both radially and circumferentially whereby removal THERON CONDON P'lmary Exammer' of said removable portion as a unit is assured. GEORGE T. HALL, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A CONTAINER END OF THE EASY OPENNG TYPE COMPRISING AN END PANEL AND PERIPHERAL SECURING MEANS, AN OUTER WEAKENING LINE IN SAID END PANEL AND EXTENDING ABOUT AND DEFINING A REMOVABLE PORTION OF SAID END PANEL, AN INNER WEAKENING LINE IN SAID END PANEL AND COOPERATING WITH SAID OUTER WEAKENING LINE TO DEFINE A TEAR STRIP, SAID TEAR STRIP HAVING A STARTING END AND A TERMINAL END, SAID TEAR, STRIP TERMINAL END BEING INTEGRALLY CONNECTED TO SAID REMOVABLE PORTION WITH SAID TEAR STRIP BEING A PERMANENT PART OF SAID REMOVABLE PORTION, SAID INNER WEAKENING LINE HAVING A TERMINAL END AT SAID TEAR STRIP TERMINAL END AND GENERALLY U-SHAPED OUTLINE MEANS HAVING RECEIVED THEREIN SAID INNER WEAKENING LINE TERMINAL END FOR PREVENTING THE ACCIDENTAL TEARING OF SAID END PANEL MATERIALLY BEYOND SAID INNER TEAR STRIP TERMINAL END AND THEREBY ELIMINATING ALL POSSIBILITIES OF ACCIDENTAL TEARING OF SAID TEAR STRIP FROM THE REMAINDER OF SAID REMOVABLE PORTION. 